Released in 2018, both the Meizu V8 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy A6+ represent attempts to deliver a compelling smartphone experience without breaking the bank. While both devices now represent older generations, they remain relevant in the used market and for users seeking a functional, affordable device. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which offers the better value proposition.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly more refined software experience, the Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) emerges as the better choice. Despite both phones boasting an impressive 106-hour endurance rating, the Snapdragon 450's architecture provides a more stable platform for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - China | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - A605G/DS |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA - China | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, September. Released 2018, September | 2018, May. Released 2018, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 147.5 x 72.7 x 8.1 mm (5.81 x 2.86 x 0.32 in) | 160.2 x 75.7 x 7.9 mm (6.31 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 159 g (5.61 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 1080 x 2220 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~78.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 91.4 cm2 (~75.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 8.0 (Oreo), Flyme UI | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), One UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/2.2, AF
5 MP, f/2.2 | 16 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.9 | 24 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps, HDR |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (optional) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 60 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 21 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3100 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Black, Gold, Blue, Lavender |
| Models | - | SM-A605FN, SM-A605G, SM-A605F, SM-A605GN, SM-A6050, SM-A605K, SM-A605X, SM-A6058 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -89.7dB / Crosstalk -91.7dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 106h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.834 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 76dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 81dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 69899 (v7)
GeekBench: 3905 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 3.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Meizu V8 Pro
- Potentially lower price point
- More efficient 12nm chipset (theoretical)
- May offer a unique software experience
- Less established brand reputation
- Potentially less optimized software
- Snapdragon 450 offers more consistent performance
Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018)
- More recognizable brand
- Potentially smoother software experience
- Snapdragon 450 offers better sustained performance
- Potentially higher price point
- 14nm chipset is less efficient (theoretical)
- May lack unique features
Display Comparison
Both the Meizu V8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) share an 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal 3.834 in sunlight), suggesting similar display quality in terms of black levels and outdoor visibility. However, the specific panel technology (LCD vs AMOLED) isn't specified for either device. Given Samsung's history, the A6+ likely utilizes a Super AMOLED panel, offering superior color vibrancy and potentially better power efficiency compared to a standard LCD panel likely found in the V8 Pro. The lack of information on resolution and pixel density makes a definitive judgment on sharpness impossible.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Given the market positioning of both phones, it's reasonable to assume they feature modest camera setups. Without further information, it's difficult to assess camera performance beyond stating that both likely perform adequately in well-lit conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly impact image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Meizu V8 Pro utilizes the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12nm) with an octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, while the Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) features the Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14nm) with an octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. While both CPUs use the same Cortex-A53 architecture, the Helio P22's 12nm process offers a theoretical efficiency advantage over the Snapdragon 450's 14nm process. However, Qualcomm's Snapdragon typically exhibits better sustained performance and thermal management due to optimized software and hardware integration. The slightly lower clock speed on the Snapdragon 450 is offset by its architectural advantages, resulting in a more consistent user experience.
Battery Life
Remarkably, both the Meizu V8 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) achieve an endurance rating of 106 hours. This suggests similar battery capacity and power efficiency. While the Helio P22's 12nm process *could* contribute to slightly better efficiency, the Snapdragon 450's optimized power management likely compensates for the larger manufacturing process. Without knowing the actual battery capacity (mAh) or charging wattage, it's impossible to determine 0-100% charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Meizu V8 Pro if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are comfortable with a less mainstream user interface. It's a viable option for basic smartphone tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) if you prefer a more recognizable brand, a potentially smoother software experience, and a chipset known for its stability, even if the performance difference is marginal.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio P22 in the Meizu V8 Pro capable of running modern apps smoothly?
The Helio P22 is a capable chipset for basic smartphone tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging. However, it may struggle with demanding games or multitasking with numerous apps open simultaneously. The Snapdragon 450 in the A6+ offers slightly better sustained performance, making it a more reliable choice for heavier usage.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) still receive software updates?
Given its release in 2018, the Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) is unlikely to receive major Android version updates. However, it may still receive occasional security patches. Meizu's update support for the V8 Pro is similarly limited.
❓ Which phone is better for taking photos in low light?
Without detailed camera specifications, it's difficult to say definitively. However, Samsung's image processing algorithms generally perform well in low-light conditions, potentially giving the A6+ an advantage. Both phones likely struggle with significant noise and lack of detail in very dark environments.